Why I Should Respond with Grace

In review of Proverbs 29:11 it says, “A fool expresses all his emotions, but a wise person controls them” (GW).

Today’s verse is from Proverbs 29:11. A foolish person will express their anger openly, but a sensible one will patient and bring calm in the end.

I won’t be able to control much of what happens in my life. For instance I couldn’t control who my parents were, where I was born, and a variety of other factors that have a significant influence on my life. But I can choose how I react to what life throws my way.

I can get angry or stressed out or even shrink into depression when insults or mistreatment come my way — or I can learn to respond gracefully. The choice is always mine. As such, this verse reminds me that, “A fool expresses all his emotions, but a wise person controls them” (Proverbs 29:11 GW).

To live responsibly, I must put my mind in gear before I put my mouth into motion. I must think before I act. When others cause pain, I often respond by trying to get even. Ironically, in my effort to “get even” with a person who has wronged me, I do get even. I sink to the other person’s level. God calls me to a much greater response: forgiveness.

When I’m mistreated, the proper reaction isn’t to blow up or clam up. Both are irresponsible. Instead God calls me to respond to slights with calmness, love, and truth. The bottom line is this: Trust God to settle the score. He has much better resources to do that than myself.

Bottom Line:

A fool will vent their anger, but the wise will control them.

What this means to me:

I shouldn’t be foolish by venting or expressing my anger or all of my emotions, rather I should be be sensible, patient and calm in my responses.

In summary, when I am slighted, I can choose how I react. I can get angry or sulk, or I can learn to respond gracefully. Remember to put my mind in gear and think first, not just respond. God calls me to a greater response: forgiveness. I am to respond with calmness, love, and truth. Don't take matters into my hands but learn to trust God to settle the score.

The next time I’m slighted, I ask the Holy Spirit to help intervene and help me to remember to think first and respond as God would, with forgiveness. I need to grow in my faith to let God handle the wrongs done to me.

Thank you Father for this reminder that I have a choice of how to respond in situations that are against me. You’ll be there to avenge me. Meanwhile my job is to offer forgiveness and grace. I pray this morning that you will help me sort through the tasks for myself and my team. Allow me to communicate with my team how to work through to completion these tasks. Give me the heart to respond correctly to others. These things I pray in your Son Jesus name, amen!